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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section I.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What type of story does Aristotle define as "episodic"?
(a) A particularly poor story.
(b) A great story.
(c) A dramatic story.
(d) A sad story.

2. In the context of poetry and according to Aristotle's teachings, why is man naturally attracted to imitation?
(a) Imitation is less expensive.
(b) Imitation is a form of acting.
(c) It is through imitation that man most easily learns.
(d) It is a lot of fun.

3. Aristotle teaches that the beginning of a well-written tragedy starts at what point?
(a) Where the narrative has dependence upon events that happen prior to it.
(b) With the end and uses the method of flashback to tell the rest.
(c) In the middle and uses the method of flashback to tell what preceded.
(d) Where the narrative has no dependence upon events that happened prior to it.

4. Aristotle explains that actions described in a tragic plot should have certain characteristics. Which one of the following is NOT one of the characteristics that Aristotle identifies?
(a) Actions should be minute and trivial.
(b) Actions should be interesting.
(c) Actions should help the reader grasp the significance of the whole.
(d) Actions should be not too small or too large.

5. What type of action does Aristotle say occurs with "Recognition" and/or "Reversal of Situation"?
(a) Complex.
(b) Happy.
(c) Congruent.
(d) Bad.

Short Answer Questions

1. When one character realizes that another character has fewer morals than he once thought, what does Aristotle say is happening?

2. Aristotle states that poetry depicts what?

3. What is history according to Aristotle?

4. When a poet presents the poem in the voice of one of the characters, what method does Aristotle say that the poet is using?

5. What type of poetry does Aristotle say focuses on serious and important actions?

(see the answer key)

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